September 07, 2008

Reporters Notebooks

Bret McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: Central Florida fans got the cell phone number for South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe and bombarded him with hundreds of calls and text messages before Saturday's game. Grothe's father, Matt Sr., received a death threat and the family was protected by state troopers during the game.

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.com: Ohio State receiver
Ray Small on being recruited by USC. "As I took my visit to USC, I'm
like, 'How are they successful? They're not even serious about the
game.' Before the game, they're all going crazy. Me and [Buckeyes
defensive end] Rob Rose was on the visit and I'm looking like, 'Wow.'
And then the coach said, 'You better get out of here. It's 'bout to get
hectic.' And then I come [to Ohio State] on the visit and before the
game, it's all quiet, everybody getting taped, coaches talking. It's
the total opposite." Small added: "Here at Ohio State, they teach you to be a better man. There, it's just all about football."

Paul Strelow, Columbia State: Sophomore tight end Brian Linthicum, who started Clemson's opener against Alabama, appears on the verge of transferring. And sophomore left tackle Chris Hairston was injured Saturday night in a moped accident.

Michael Hunt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin's Bret Bielema says his team is ready for Saturday's showdown at Fresno State. "Can't wait to get out there," he said. "I've got all the respect for them, but that game is going to be decided by what we do."

Jeff Shain, Miami Herald: The 12 players suspended for Florida State's opener against Western Carolina were not allowed on the sideline and thought to be sequestered in the coaches' offices, where they watched the game.